Endovascular devices and methods for exploiting intramural space
The present disclosure is directed to a device. The device may include a distal shaft defining a central lumen and an orienting element comprising at least one inflatable member. Wherein a first portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a first direction and a second portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a second direction. Further, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/964,765, filed Aug. 14, 2007, and PCT International Application No. PCT/US2007/024209, filed Nov. 20, 2007, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe inventions described herein relate to devices and associated methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions. More particularly, the inventions described herein relate to devices and methods for crossing chronic total occlusions and establishing a pathway blood flow past the chronic total occlusions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONDue to age, high cholesterol and other contributing factors, a large percentage of the population has arterial atherosclerosis that totally occludes portions of the patient's vasculature and presents significant risks to patient health. For example, in the case of a total occlusion of a coronary artery, the result may be painful angina, loss of cardiac tissue or patient death. In another example, complete occlusion of the femoral and/or popliteal arteries in the leg may result in limb threatening ischemia and limb amputation.
Commonly known endovascular devices and techniques are either inefficient (time consuming procedure), have a high risk of perforating a vessel (poor safety) or fail to cross the occlusion (poor efficacy). Physicians currently have difficulty visualizing the native vessel lumen, can not accurately direct endovascular devices toward the visualized lumen, or fail to advance devices through the lesion. Bypass surgery is often the preferred treatment for patients with chronic total occlusions, but less invasive techniques would be preferred.
Described herein are devices and methods employed to exploit the vascular wall of a vascular lumen for the purpose of bypassing a total occlusion of an artery. Exploitation of a vascular wall may involve the passage of an endovascular device into and out of said wall which is commonly and interchangeable described as false lumen access, intramural access, submedial access or in the case of this disclosure, subintimal access.
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a device. The device may include a distal shaft defining a central lumen and an orienting element comprising at least one inflatable member. Wherein a first portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a first direction and a second portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a second direction. Further, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a device. The device may include a distal shaft defining a central lumen and an orienting element comprising a first inflatable member and a second inflatable member. Wherein the first inflatable member extending from the shaft in a first direction and the second inflatable member extending from the shaft in a second direction. Further, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method. The method may include providing a device comprising a distal shaft and an orienting element, and positioning the orienting element of the device between an occlusion and an adventitia of a blood vessel. The method may further include inflating an inflatable member of the orienting element to orient the device relative to a true lumen of the blood vessel, and advancing a re-entry device through a lumen defined by the device. The method may still further include advancing a distal end of a re-entry device through an aperture of the device, and wherein the aperture is substantially orthogonal to a plane defined by the orienting element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTSThe following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
With reference to
In the embodiment of
Orienting element 120 comprises a first portion 106 and a second portion 108. First portion 106 of orienting element 120 extends in a first direction away from distal shaft 102. Second portion 108 of orienting element 120 extends away from distal shaft 102 in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction.
Distal shaft 102 defines a first aperture 130 and a second aperture 132. First aperture 130 extends in a third direction through distal shaft 102. A second aperture 132 extends through distal shaft 102 in a forth direction that is generally opposite the third direction. The first aperture 130 and second aperture 132 are generally oriented at a right angle to a tangent plane TP. In
When inflatable member 126 of orienting element 120 is inflated between adventitia 24 and intima 26 of artery 20 orienting device 100 will orient itself within artery 20 so that either first aperture 130 or second aperture 132 opens toward a true lumen of the artery. In the embodiment of
When inflatable member 126 is inflated, the number of directions that first aperture 130 and second aperture 132 may be facing is reduced. This may be conceptualized in terms of degrees of freedom. When inflatable member 126 of orienting element 120 is inflated, the number of directions that an aperture may be facing is reduced from 360 degrees of freedom to two degrees of freedom, 180 degrees apart. Orienting device 100 and re-entry device 80 may be used to establish fluid communication between the proximal segment and the distal segment that are separated by an occlusion. Exemplary methods may be described with reference to
In some useful methods in accordance with the present disclosure, crossing device 70 may be rotated about it's longitudinal axis and moved in a direction parallel to it's longitudinal axis simultaneously. When this is the case, rotation of crossing device 70 may reduce resistance to the axial advancement of crossing device 70. These methods take advantage of the fact that the kinetic coefficient of friction is usually less than the static coefficient of friction for a given frictional interface. Rotating crossing device 70 assures that the coefficient of friction at the interface between the crossing device and the surround tissue will be a kinetic coefficient of friction and not a static coefficient of friction.
Rotation of crossing device 70 can be achieved by rolling handle assembly 150 between the thumb and forefinger of one hand. Two hands may also be used to rotate handle assembly 150 as shown in
In some useful methods in accordance with the present disclosure, crossing device 70 is rotated at a rotational speed of between about 2 revolutions per minute and about 200 revolutions per minute. In some particularly useful methods in accordance with the present disclosure, crossing device 70 is rotated at a rotational speed of between about 50 revolutions per minute and about 150 revolutions per minute.
Crossing device 70 may be rotated by hand as depicted in
It is to be appreciated that other methods of crossing an occlusion are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, the crossing device 70 may pass through occlusion 36 while remaining disposed inside true lumen 30. In
In the embodiment of
The position of guidewire 60 shown in
With guidewire 60 in the position shown in
In the embodiment of
After re-entry device 80 is positioned as shown in
In the embodiment of
A re-entry device 80 is disposed in central lumen 104 of orienting device 100. In the embodiment of
Orienting device 100 comprises an orienting element 120 that is fixed to a distal shaft 102. Orienting element 120 comprises an inflatable member 126. When inflatable member 126 of orienting element 120 is inflated between the adventicia and the intima of a blood vessel, orienting device 100 will orient itself within the blood vessel so that either first aperture 130 or second aperture 132 opens toward a true lumen of the artery. The physician may select the aperture opening toward the true lumen, for example, using the fluoroscopic methods described herein. The physician may then insert the distal end of re-entry device 80 through the selected aperture.
Orienting element 220 comprises a first portion 206 and a second portion 208. First portion 206 of orienting element 220 extends in a first direction away from distal shaft 202. Second portion 208 of orienting element 220 extends away from distal shaft 202 in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction.
A hub 236 is fixed to the proximal end of proximal shaft 92. Hub 236 includes a proximal port 238. Proximal port 238 fluidly communicates with an interior of inflatable member 226 via inflation lumens defined by distal shaft 202, intermediate shaft 82, and proximal shaft 92. Inflatable member 226 may be inflated by injecting an inflation media into proximal port 238. Examples of inflation media that may be suitable in some applications include saline, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen. In some useful embodiments, inflatable member 226, distal shaft 202, intermediate shaft 82, and proximal shaft 92 comprise thermoplastic materials. Examples of thermoplastic materials that may be suitable in some applications include Nylon, Pebax, or P.E.T.
A first aperture 230 is disposed on a first side of orienting element 220. When inflatable member 226 of orienting element 220 is inflated between the adventicia and the intima of a blood vessel, orienting device 200 will orient itself within the blood vessel so that first aperture 230 either opens toward the true lumen of the artery or opens 180 degrees away from the true lumen of the artery. A second aperture is disposed on a second side of orienting element 220. Second aperture is not visible in
Orienting device 300 comprises an orienting element 320 that is coupled to a distal shaft 302. Orienting element 320 comprises a first inflatable member 322 and a second inflatable member 324. First inflatable member 322 of orienting element 320 extends in a first direction away from distal shaft 302. Second inflatable member 324 of orienting element 320 extends away from distal shaft 302 in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
Orienting device 300 comprises an orienting element 320 that includes a first inflatable member 322 and a second inflatable member 324. In the embodiment of
One potential advantage of creating an orienting element from a monolithic tube is the elimination of fixation points between the orienting element and catheter shaft thus reducing processing steps and manufacturing cost. Another potential advantage is the reduction of fixation points between the orienting element and catheter shaft which may also reduce the distal diameter of the catheter by eliminating areas of overlapping material. Another potential advantage may include the reduction of potential failure points through the elimination of fixation points (e.g. thermal or adhesive bonds) between the orienting element and the catheter shaft.
First inflatable member 322 of orienting element 320 extends in a first direction away from distal shaft 302. Second inflatable member 324 of orienting element 320 extends away from distal shaft 302 in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction.
In the embodiment of
In some useful embodiments, an aspect ratio of first width WA to first thickness TA is greater than about one when orienting element 320 is assuming a deployed shape. In some particularly useful embodiments, the aspect ratio of first width WA to first thickness TA is greater than about two when orienting element 320 is assuming a deployed shape. In some especially useful embodiments, the aspect ratio of first width WA to first thickness TA is greater than about three when orienting element 320 is assuming a deployed shape.
A deployed shape of orienting element 320 is shown with dotted lines in
With reference to
From the foregoing, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides, in exemplary non-limiting embodiments, devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departures in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as described in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A device comprising:
- a distal shaft defining a central lumen;
- an orienting element comprising at least one inflatable member;
- a first portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a first direction;
- a second portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a second direction;
- wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein:
- the orienting element has a first width and a first thickness when the at least one inflatable member is in a substantially inflated state; and
- the orienting element has a second width when the at least one inflatable member is in a substantially deflated state.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first width is greater than the second width.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the first width is greater than the first thickness.
5. The device of claim 2, wherein an aspect ratio of the first width to the first thickness that is greater than about 1.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the aspect ratio of the first width to the first thickness that is greater than about 2.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the aspect ratio of the first width to the first thickness that is greater than about 3.
8. A device comprising:
- a distal shaft defining a central lumen;
- an orienting element comprising a first inflatable member and a second inflatable member;
- the first inflatable member extending from the shaft in a first direction;
- the second inflatable member extending from the shaft in a second direction;
- wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein:
- the orienting element has a first width and a first thickness when the first inflatable member and the second inflatable member are in a substantially inflated state; and
- the orienting element has a second width when the first inflatable member and the second inflatable member are in a substantially deflated state.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first width is greater than the second width.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein the first width is greater than the first thickness.
12. The device of claim 9, wherein an aspect ratio of the first width to the first thickness that is greater than about 1.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the aspect ratio of the first width to the first thickness that is greater than about 2.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the aspect ratio of the first width to the first thickness that is greater than about 3.
15. The device of claim 8, wherein the distal shaft comprises a thermoplastic material.
16. The device of claim 8, wherein the first inflatable member comprises an extruded portion of an outer wall of the distal shaft.
17. The device of claim 9, wherein the second inflatable member comprises an extruded portion of an outer wall of the distal shaft.
18. The device of claim 8, wherein:
- the distal shaft defines a first planetary lumen; and
- the first inflatable member defines an interior in fluid communication with the first planetary lumen.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the first inflatable member and the distal shaft are monolithic.
20. The device of claim 18, wherein the first inflatable member and the distal shaft are seamlessly formed from a single piece of material.
21. The device of claim 18, wherein:
- the distal shaft defines a second planetary lumen; and
- the second inflatable member defines an interior in fluid communication with the second planetary lumen.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the second inflatable member and the distal shaft are monolithic.
23. The device of claim 21, wherein the first inflatable member, the second inflatable member and the distal shaft are seamlessly formed from a single piece of material.
24. The device of claim 21, wherein the first inflatable member and the second inflatable member each comprise an extruded portion of an outer wall of the distal shaft.
25. The device of claim 21, wherein the outer wall of the distal shaft partially defines the first planetary lumen and the second planetary lumen.
26. The device of claim 8, wherein the first inflatable member has a first length and the second inflatable member has a second length that is greater than the first length.
27. The device of claim 8, wherein a wall of the distal shaft defines a first aperture that fluidly communicates with the central lumen.
28. The device of claim 20, wherein:
- the wall of the distal shaft defines a second aperture that fluidly communicates with the central lumen;
- the first aperture is disposed on a first side of the orienting element and the second aperture is disposed on a second side of the orienting element; and
- the second side is substantially opposite the first side.
29. The device of claim 20, wherein:
- the first aperture exits the central lumen in a third direction; and
- the third direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.
30. The device of claim 22, wherein:
- the second aperture exits the central lumen in a fourth direction; and
- the fourth direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.
31. The device of claim 22, wherein the fourth direction is generally opposite the third direction.
32. The device of claim 8, further comprising at least one intermediate shaft connected to a proximal end of the distal shaft.
33. The device of claim 8, further comprising a proximal shaft connected to a proximal end of the at least one intermediate shaft.
34. A method, comprising:
- providing a device comprising a distal shaft and an orienting element;
- positioning the orienting element of the device between an occlusion and an adventitia of a blood vessel;
- inflating an inflatable member of the orienting element to orient the device relative to a true lumen of the blood vessel; and
- advancing a re-entry device through a lumen defined by the device;
- advancing a distal end of a re-entry device through an aperture of the device;
- wherein the aperture is substantially orthogonal to a plane defined by the orienting element.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 14, 2008
Publication Date: Apr 2, 2009
Patent Grant number: 9060802
Inventors: Chad John Kugler (Andover, MN), Matthew Jonathan Olson (Crystal, MN), Ross Arlen Olson (Anoka, MN), David B. Robinson (Chanhassen, MN)
Application Number: 12/222,737
International Classification: A61M 25/10 (20060101);